Visually impaired roots vendor looking to expand

Despite being visually impaired, Samuel Darson trods Negril's pristine seven-mile beach to sell herbal bushes every single day.

Darson, 51, told THE STAR that he lost his ability to see eight years ago. However, this has not affected the Rastaman's zeal for life, and love for herbal remedies. In fact, Darson explained that his inability to see has fuelled his drive to supply visitors and locals alike with natural herbs, which he said target various ailments. His herbal business was started a decade ago with herbal tonics and natural juices. However, Darson had to change the business model after his diagnosis. He now requires additional assistance, but he does not mind.

"I have bredrins gather the herbs [from across Westmoreland] and I pay them," he said. Darson explained that regardless of his blindness, he is very active in his business. He said that he carefully curates a list of herbal bushes based on the properties that they are believed to possess.

"I sell dandelion herbs wah good for your kidney; soursop herbs for your nerves; and I also have lemongrass, which is good for regulating blood pressure - along with ram goat national, sea moss and others," he said. Despite his lack of sight, he knows all the bushes he supplies.

"When I went to the doctor and he said I was going to lose my vision, I started helping myself with the herbs by [learning] the essence and by feeling them. If customers ask me what type of herbs this is, I can tell them what it is by feeling it," he said. While admitting that business has been slow, Darson said he has only had good experiences with customers, and shared that he is usually treated with kindness.

"The herbs can help the people, and the people love my energy. They love to see that I'm a person who has a vision problem and is still doing something that's important to humanity," he said. "I'm not getting any big sales, but I give thanks for the little that I make. Roots Bamboo is a place that I come and hang out, so people come here to support me."

Tourists account for the majority of his customers, as they are intrigued by his offerings, but he wants more Jamaican clients.

"They take my picture, and they have it all over on the Internet. People see me on the journey and tell me that I'm big in England, Canada, and even Ukraine, so it's like I'm an Internet star for the universe," Darson told THE STAR. While his daily walks are now aided by a stick, Darson is thankful for the independence that his business brings.

"It helps me to be independent and also keeps my immune system strong, but I know it can get bigger," Darson said. "I have plans for it to get bigger, but I need equipment and some help. I do this business to survive, but doing this work with the vision that I have, I'm not getting any 'strength' from society."

"If they could help me get a shop or let the business be a little easier for me, where I can do some export, I would appreciate it," he added.

Persons wanting to support Samuel Darson's herbal business may contact him at 876-886-1544.